School Nurse

Job Title:

School Nurse (RN)/(LPN)
Job Purpose

The School Nurse strengthens and facilitates the educational process by modifying or removing health-related barriers to learning. As the primary healthcare provider within the school setting, the School Nurse is responsible for managing acute and chronic medical needs, providing emergency care, maintaining health records, and promoting a safe, healthy environment for all students and staff.

• Provide high-quality nursing care and first aid to students and staff for acute illnesses, injuries, and medical emergencies.
• Manage and coordinate care for students with chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, type 1 diabetes, severe allergies, epilepsy/seizures).
• Develop, implement, and annually update Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs) and Emergency Action Plans for students with special medical needs.
• Administer prescribed oral, inhaled, and injectable medications according to physician orders and district policy.

• Conduct mandated student health screenings (e.g., vision, hearing, scoliosis) and manage appropriate referrals and follow-ups.
• Monitor, review, and maintain up-to-date student immunization and vaccination records to ensure compliance with state and local laws.
• Identify, track, and implement protocols to control the spread of communicable diseases within the school community.

• Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and confidential electronic health records (EHR) in strict compliance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations.
• Participate as a medical expert in Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Section 504 meetings to recommend necessary health accommodations.
• Act as the core liaison between families, school administrators, teachers, and community healthcare providers regarding student wellness.
• Manage the inventory, ordering, and upkeep of medical clinic supplies and emergency equipment (e.g., stock epinephrine, Albuterol, AEDs).

• Provide guidance and education to students, families, and staff on topics such as personal hygiene, proper nutrition, mental health awareness, and disease prevention.
• Train and delegate designated school staff on emergency medication administration (e.g., Epi Pen or Glucagon delivery) as permitted by state law.
• Assist administration in evaluating and updating the school’s emergency response and crisis management plans.

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred;
  Associate Degree in Nursing (LPN) required.
• Licensure: Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the practicing state.
• Certifications:
  * Current CPR/AED and First Aid Certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers).
• State School Nurse Certification (or eligibility to obtain it) is highly preferred/required depending on district mandates.
• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of clinical nursing experience; background in pediatrics, emergency medicine, community health, or school nursing is strongly preferred.

• Pediatric Knowledge: Deep understanding of child growth, development, and pediatric-specific medical emergencies.
• Crisis Management: Ability to remain calm, think critically, and take swift, authoritative control during high-stress medical emergencies.
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively speak with young children, worried parents, and multidisciplinary school staff.
• Autonomy: High level of comfort working independently as the sole clinical professional in the building.

• Must be able to respond rapidly to medical emergencies anywhere on the school campus (classrooms, playground, athletic fields).
• Frequent bending, lifting, and positioning of students may be required.
• Regular exposure to illness, biological fluids, and infectious diseases.